Liverpool will step up efforts to sign Sunderland No 1 Simon Mignolet after mixed messages from current goalkeeper Pepe Reina about his own future.

Reina has been linked with a move back to his first club Barcelona and Belgian international Mignolet would be a cheaper replacement at £7million that Stoke’s impressive Asmir Begovic who is valued at £12million.

Reina has insisted speculation about his future is not a distraction but would only say he is committed to Liverpool ‘right now’.

Stretch: Simon Mignolet has gained many admirers after some spectacular performances last season

Liverpool’s Pepe Reina has said he will only leave Liverpool this summer if there is an offer from Barcelona.

Reina said: ‘I have a contract at Liverpool and I feel valued there. They only reason I would plan to move elsewhere is if there was interest in me from Barcelona.’

The Spanish Champions want to sell Victor Valdes to Monaco this summer and bring in Reina. But Valdes wants to see out the last year of his contract at the Camp Nou so that he can pocket what would be a sizeable signing on fee next summer.